Air-inlet valve.



Ilm-848,852. PATENTBD Amm-1907'.-

P.H.REARD0N.

AIR INLET VALVE. APPLIOATION FILED D110. 2v, 1904.

PATRICK H. REARDON, OF SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA.

AIR-INLET VALVE.

Specification of Letters Patent.

Patented April 2, 1907.

Application fllfl December 27, 1904. Serial No. 238,540.

To @ZZ whom t may concern:

Be it known that I, PATRICK I-I. REARDON, a citizen of the United States, residing at the city and county of San Francisco and State of California, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in Air- Inlet Valves 5 and I do hereby declare the following to be a full, clear, and exact description of the same.

This invention relates to valves especially adapted for air-inlet valves of compressors.

Though in its general functions each of the inlet-valves of a compressor is simply a checkvalve, the conditions of its use are such as to bring into play in'liuences so adverse to the life and effectiveness not alone of the valve, but of the whole apparatus, that the inletvalve is a cause of constant care and anxiety and a fruitful source of accident and injury. This is especially so in high-speed compressors and to an exaggerated extent when working against high pressures. The constant hammering of the valve upon its seat so effects the texture of the metal of the clack or moving part of the valve that its fracture is liable Vto occur at any time. Owing to the nature of the case, the fracture most likely to occur is the separation from its stem of the circular disk forming the clack or gate. This when broken, owing to its form and position, would naturally drop into the cylinder. As it is necessary to have the smallest possible amount of clearance in compressors, the introduction of even so inconsiderable a piece of metal as the end of a valve into the cylinder may and usually does involve the wreckage of the compressor. It is extremely undesirable to provide guards and the like upon the inside of the cylinder to catch the valve end when it breaks from its stem. Such devices have in practice been found to introduce difliculties greater even than those they are aimed to prevent, besides adding complications and expense which renders them impractical. Liability to accident and breakage is not the only source of difficultyin providing an effective air-inlet valve. It is imperative that a valve for this duty remain tight under the extremely adverse condition of constant hammering and of constant fluctuations of temperature. What has been said does not include all' of the difficulties militating against producing a satisfactory inlet-valve for air-compressors. Owing to the circumscribed space available for inletvalves on the end of the compressor-cylinders, it is necessary that this space should be utilized to the greatest extent, and consequently that the structure of each valve shall permit the greatest possible amount of inlet-opening.

Further, as it is a practical impossibility to 6o secure absolute uniformity in the metal,

either of the valve clack or seat, it is desirable to provide for constant and forced change of position of the clack on its seat in order to prevent unequal wear on either. It will thus 6 5 be seen that the problem of providing an efficient inlet-valve for air-compressors, though an extremely simple one when looked at generally and superficially, involves in reality conflicting elements of extreme complexity and practical difficulty. The differences of construction, apparently slight, may constitute so important differences as to mean the difference between absolute failure and inoperativeness and complete success and adaptability to the desired functions. In other words, it might be a comparatively sim )le problem to make an inlet-valve of su cient strength to prevent its breakage did not the additional metal occupy room necessary for the passage of air or add destructive weight to the moving parts. Again, this problem might be comparatively simple by reducing the size and weights of the parts below that necessary for strength and by introducing guards which would limit the consequences of failure in the valve to the mere renewal of these parts were it not that the introduction of such devices brought with them their own train of trouble and difficulty.

The object of the present invention is to provide a simple, cheap, and efficient device for the purposes named adapted to reduce to a minimum the difficulties heretofore referred to. This object is accomplished by means of the devices illustrated in the accompanying drawings,l in which- Figure l is a sectional elevation. Fig. 2 is a side elevation of the valve clack and stem. Fig. 3 is a plan view of Fig. l. Fig. 4 is a plan view of Fig. 2. Fig. 5 is a side elevation of the lower spring socket or abutment. Fig. 6 is a side elevation of the upper spring socket or abutment.

Referring to the drawings, l is a valvecasing provided with a suitable valve-seat 2, with which a valve clack or gate 3 engages. The clack or gate 3 is provided with a hollow or annular stem 4, which is guided in the casing l by means of suitable inwardly-projecting ribs or guides 5. The casing l may be provided with any suitable means for secur- IOO . ings 8.

ing it in an air-compressor, shown in the drawings as external threads 6 near its valveseat. rlhe lower or clack end ot the valvestem is formed into suitable inwardly-projecting spiral vanes or wings 7 and is provided with openings S between these vanes or wings. In the stem a, and preferably above the vanes 7, are provided slots or guides 9, into and through which a yoke or pin 10 transversely passes. Resting on the pin 1() is a suitable socket or abutment 11, adapted to receive one end ot a spring 1.2. he other end of the spring 12 rests against and is guided in a ring or socket 1.3. rlhe socket 1.3 is attached to the stem 4 by any suitable means, shown in the present instance as lianges or projections 1a on the socket adapted to engage with recesses or pockets 15 on the stem at. The casing 1. is provided with an annular seat or shoulder 16, against which the pin 10 is held by means of the spring 12. Above the shoulder 16 the casing 1 is pro'- vided with a hole or aperture 17 to allow `l'or the entrance and removal of the pin 10.

The ribs or guides 5 in the casing 1 extend down to within a short distance of the seat or shoulder 16,-pern1itting the pin to take various positions and consequently rotational movement of the valve. i

As will be seen trom the construction shown in the drawings, a longitudinal passage or inlet tor air is provided through the annular stem 4f and also around it and between it and the casing 1. The passages thus formed are connected by means of the open- The annular space around thestem ft, besides increasing the eil'ecti ve inlet area of the valve, causes a cooling stream of the inl'lowing air to pass on the outside oi the wall.

ot the hollow stem of the valve and between it and the het surface ot the valve-casing, thereby maintaining the valve always at a low temperature.

It will be seen that the connection o'l the circular disk or clack 3 to the valve-stein ft is practically as strong, it not stronger, than any part of the valve and that the weight, and consequently the mass, is at or near the lower end ol' the stem, thereby reducing the liability ot breakage ot the clack from its ste-m. Owing, also, to the action of air on the wings or vanes, causing the clack or gate to rotate on its seat, equal wear on the valve elack and seat is insured.

Due to the fact that the opening or aperture 17 is above the seat or shoulder .16, it is impossible 'for the pin 10 to accidentally get out of position or out of the casing 1, it being held firmly to its seat by the spring 12.

the valve-seat is important inasmuch as it prevents leak of the compressed air through the hole 17, which would occur were the threads placed near the outer end of the shell or casing 1. It also reduces to a minimum the parts which can drop into the cylinder in case of breakage. lt further increases the available inlet area of the compresser cylinder-heads.

It is obvious that changes may be made in the vforni and proportions shown without departing from the essential nature ol" this invention. therefore do not desire to be con.- iined to the exact form or proportion of parts herein shown and described.

that I claim isw 1. In an air-inlet valve, a main shell or casing provided with a valve-seat, an annular stemmed valve movable endwise therein engaging with the seat, an inlet-space for air around the annular stem and between it and the shell, side openings in the annular stem and a spring to resist the opening of the valve and a suitable abutment for the spring.

2. In an air-inlet valve, a main shell or easing provided with a valve-seat, an annular stemmed valve movable endwise therein engaging with the seat, the stem being provided with spiral vanes or wings extending upward lor a portion ot' its length, an inletspace for air around the annular stem and between it and the shell, side openings in the annular stem and a spring to resist the opening ot the valve and a suitable abutment for the spring.

3. ln an air-inlet valve, a main shell or casing provided with a valve-seat, external threads thereon adjacent to the valve-seat tor securing it in place, an annular stemmed valve movable endwise therein engaging with the seat, an inlet-space for air around the annular stem and between it 'and the shell, side openings in the annular stem and a spring to resist the opening of the valve and a suitable abutment for the spring.

it 1n an air-'inlet valve, a main shell or casing provided with a valve-seat, external threads thereon adjacent to the valve-seat lior'securing it in place, an annular stemmed valve movable endwise therein engaging with the seat, the stem being provided with spiral vanes or wings extending upward 'for a portion of its length, an inlet-space lor air around the annular stem and between it and the shell, side openings in the annular stem and a, spring to resist the opening of the valve and a suitable abutment for the spring.

5. ln an air-inlet valve, a main shell. or casing provided with a valve-seat, external threads thereon adjacent to the valve-seat for securing it in place, an annular stemmed valve movable endwise therein and engaging with the seat, an inlet-space for air around the annular stein and between it and the shell, side openings in the annular stem and a spring to resist the opening of the valve, a pin or yoke transversely passing through the annular stem, an annular seat or shoulder in the shell upon which the ends ol the pin rest IOO IIO

and a suitable socket or other attachment upon the pin adapted to receive one end of the spring as an abutment therefor.

6. In an air-inlet valve, a lmain shell or easing provided with a valve-seat, external threads thereon adjacent to the valve-seat for securing it in place, an annular stemmed valve movable endwise therein and engaging with the seat, an inlet-space for air around the annular stem and between it and the shell, side openings in the annular stem, a spring to resist the opening of the valve, a pin or yoke transversely passing .through the annular stem, an annular seat or shoulder in the shell upon which the ends of the pin rest, a suitable socket or other attachment upon the pin adapted to receive one end of the spring as an abutment therefor and a-ring or socket at the upper end of the annular stem suitably secured thereto and adapted to receive the other end of the spring.

7. In an air-inlet valve, a main shell or casing provided with a valve-seat, external threads thereon adjacent to the valve-seat for securing it in place, an annular stemmed valve movable endwise therein and engaging with the seat, the stem being provided with inward spiral vanes or wings extendingjupward for a portion of its length, an inletspace for air around the annular stem and between it and the shell, side openings in the annular stem and a spring to resist the opening of the valve, a pin or yoke transversely passing through the annular stem, an annular seat or shoulder in the shell upon which the ends of the pin rest and a suitable socket or other attachment upon the pin adapted to receive one end of the spring as an abutment therefor.

S. In an air-inlet valve, a main shell or casing provided with a valve-seat, external threads thereon adjacent to the valve-seat for securing it in place, an annular stemmed valve movable endwise therein and engaging with the seat, the stem being provided with spiral vanes or wings extending upward for a portion of its length, an inlet-space for air around the annular stem and between it and the shell, side openings in the annular stem, a spring` to resist the opening of the valve, a pin or yoke transversely passing through the annular stem, an annular seat or shoulder in the shell upon which the ends of the pin rest, a suitable socket or other attachment upon the pin adapted to receive one end of the spring as an abutment therefor and a ring or socket at the upper end of the annular stem suitably secured thereto and adapted to receive the other end of the spring.

9. In an air-inlet valve, a main shell or casing provided with a valve-seat,vexternal threads thereon adjacent to the valve-seat for securing it in place, an annular stemmed valve movable endwise therein and engaging with the seat, an inlet-space for air around the annular stem and between it and the shell, Iside openings in the annular stem, a spring to resist the opening of the valve, a pin or yoke transversely passing through the annular stem, an annular seat or shoulder in the shell upon which the ends of the pin rest, a hole in the side of the shell for the entrance of the pin and a suitable socket or other attachment upon the pin adapted to receive one end of the spring as an abutment therefor.

10. In an air-inlet valve, a main shell or casing provided with a valve-seat, external threads thereon adjacent to the valve-seat for securing it in place, an annular stemmed valve movable endwise therein and engaging with the seat, an inlet-space for air around the annular stem and between it and the shell, side openings in the annular stem, a spring to resist the opening of the valve, a pin or yoke transversely passing through the annular stem, an annular seat or shoulder in the shell upon which the ends of the pin rest, a hole in the side of the shell for the entrance of the pin, a suitable socket or other attachment upon the pin adapted to receive one end of the spring as an abutment therefor and a ring or socket at the upper end of the annular stem suitably secured thereto and adapted to receive the other end of the spring.

l1. In an air-inlet valve, a main shell or casing provided with a valve-seat, a valve movable endwise therein and engaging with the seat, a stem to said valve and an inlet for air longitudinally through said stem and a second inlet for air longitudinally external to said stem and a spring to oppose the opening of said valve and a suitable abutment for the spring.

12. In an air-inlet valve, a main shell or casing provided with a valve-seat, external threads thereon adjacent to the valve-seat for securing it in place, avalve movable endwise therein and engaging with the seat, a stem to said valve and an inlet for air longitudinally through said stem, a second inlet for air longitudinally external to said stem and a spring to oppose the opening of said valve and a suitable abutment for the spring.

13. In an air-inlet valve, a main shell or casing provided with a valve-seat, external threads thereon adjacent to the valve-seat for securing itin place, an `annular stemmed valve movable endwise therein and engaging with the seat, the stem being provided with inwardly-projecting spiral vanes or wings extending upward for a portion of its length, an inlet longitudinally through said stem, a second inlet longitudinally external to said stem, said inlets forming passages for air, side openings in the valve-stem connecting these passages, a spring to resist the opening of the valve, a pin or yoke transversely passing through the annular stem, an annular IIO second inlet longitudinally external to said seat or shoulder in the shell upon which the l ends of the pin rest, a suitable socket or other attachment upon the pin adapted to receive one end of the spring as an abutment therefor and a ring or socket at the upper end of the annular stein provided With lugs engaging with said stein and adapted to receive the other end of the spring.

14. In an air-inlet valve, a main shell or casing provided `With a valve-seat, external threads thereon adjacent to the valve-seat 'for securing it in place, an annular stemmed valve movable endwise therein and engaging with the seat, the stein being provided with inwardly-projecting spiral vanes or Wings extending upward for a portion of its length, an inlet longitudinally through said stein, a

steinJ said inlets forming passages for air,

side openings in the valve-stein between the spiral vanes connecting these passages, a

lspring to resist the opening of the valve, a

pin or yoke transversely passing through the annular stein7 an annular seat or shoulder in the shell upon Which the ends of the pin rest, a hole in the side of the shell for the entrance of the pin, a suitable socket or other attachnient upon the pin adapted to receive one end of the spring as an abutment therefor and a ring or socket at the upper end of the annular seat provided With lugs or projections engaging with suitable recesses in the valve-stein adapted to receive the other end of the spring and suitable slots or guides in the annular stein for the pin.

PATRICK H. REARDON.

Vitnesses D. B. RICHARDS, Jnssn R. EOFF. 

